Ergonomic fingerprint reader housing

ABSTRACT

A housing in accordance with the invention includes a platen therein having a platen surface adapted to be contacted by a digit of a person&#39;s hand and first and second exterior surfaces. The first surface has an aperture, and the platen surface is in register with the aperture for contact by a digit. The second surface is displaced from the first to provide a grasping surface. The housing is shaped to orient the digit relative to the platen to ensure a firm grip of the housing and is also shaped such that the second surface contacts four digits of the user&#39;s hand while a chosen, fifth digit is positioned on the platen. A further, optional feature is base which is shaped to support the housing so that the housing is universally positionable in the base to a preselected position for grasping the first and second surfaces and acquiring the print. A fingerprint acquisition device including the foregoing housing construction further houses a light source for irradiating the platen surface and any digit thereon with light, a light conductor for conveying light from the irradiated platen surface, and an image sensor for sensing the conducted light.

This is a continuation of the U.S. patent application No. 08/836,242,field on Apr. 28, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,920,642, which is a 371 ofPCT/U.S. 95/14374, filed on Oct. 28, 1995.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to fingerprint acquisition systems, andmore particularly to an ergonomic apparatus for acquiring fingerprintdata from a person's digit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One known method for verifying or authenticating that a particularperson is the same person who had previously been identified is tocompare that person's fingerprint to a previously obtained fingerprint.According to one conventional method of acquiring fingerprint data, anink impression of a fingerprint is printed on paper for subsequentscanning into a digital computer. According to this method, the fingeris stained with ink each time the fingerprint data is entered. Anyuneven coating or blurring of the ink hinders the input operation, asdoes any lateral motion or shear of the inked finger when applied to thepaper. To ensure that enough information is obtained during data inputor enrollment, the finger is typically "rolled" across the paper totransfer a greater portion of the surface of the person's fingerthereto. While the rolling step increases the overall amount of dataacquired, the increased risk of finger shear undermines the integrity ofthe acquired data. Further, geometric or electronic distortions may beintroduced during the process of scanning the data into the digitalcomputer.

According to more modern methods, fingerprints are obtained byreflecting or scattering an image of the finger surface onto an imagesensor, such as a charge coupled device. Devices that perform thisfunction are described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,924,085 to Katoet al., 5,088,817 to Igaki et al., and 5,067,162 to Driscoll, Jr., etal., the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference asthough set forth in their entirety herein. In each of these systems, alight source is irradiated at a reflected angle onto the ridge andgroove portions of a fingerprint which has been pressed against a lightconducting plate. Depending upon the particular orientation of the lightsource with respect to the light conducting plate, and the location ofthe image sensing device, either the reflected or the scattered lightfrom the fingerprint is measured. The image sensor captures the measuredlight so that the captured fingerprint data can be stored. While thesemodern methods have simplified the fingerprint data acquisition process,they have not provided a system which ensures that the finger apply evenpressure to the platen to obtain a broad print.

One graspable system for identifying an individual is taught in U.S.Pat. No. 4,857,916. This system identifies an individual using aplurality of pressure sensors located across a graspable member fordeveloping a uniquely identifying signal indicative of the pressuresexerted by an individual's hand in grasping the graspable member. Thissystem does not acquire the person's fingerprint data, but ratherutilizes the pressure points to construct identifying data.

While there has been recognition in the art of the need to position afinger with respect to the finger platen, see for example Kato et al.,what has been needed and has heretofore not been fulfilled in the art,is a fingerprint reader apparatus which provides a prehensile shape topermit grasping the fingerprint reader device in a manner so that theperson's digit applies even pressure to the platen and thereby allows abroad, even print of the digit to be acquired. Also needed is afingerprint reader apparatus that provides a prehensile shape with theaforementioned advantages, packaged in a wireless housing forcommunication with a remote receiving device. Of further benefit to theart, would be such a system that further allows notarization oftransactions to authenticate that a transaction to be charged against anaccount has been authorized by an account holder. The present inventionsatisfies these and other needs in an ergonomic fingerprint readerapparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided anergonomic housing for acquiring a broad, even print of a fingerprintfrom a person's digit. The housing has at least first and secondsurfaces, the first surface having an aperture so that a person canplace his or her digit on an image transfer platen disposed in registerwith the aperture. The second surface is displaced from the firstsurface to provide a grasping surface, and may be substantially oppositethe first surface except when the second surface is spherical, as in oneembodiment. The housing is provided with a prehensile shape to permitgrasping the first and second surfaces within a hand of the person whilethe person's digit is or presses on the platen so that the digit applieseven pressure to the platen and a broad print of the digit is acquired.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the housing includesa contoured surface adjacent the aperture. The contoured surface mayhave a digit guide for guiding the person's digit onto the platen. Also,the contoured surface may have a ramp for ramping the person's digitonto the platen at an angle such that the digit contacts or presses theplaten at an increased number of locations. As a further feature, thehousing may have a tactile feedback indicator for providing tactilefeedback to the person whose print is being acquired of the location ofthe digit on the platen.

In another embodiment of the invention, the first and second surfacesare joined at one margin so that the ergonomic housing can flex when thefirst and second surfaces are grasped and perhaps squeezed within thehand of the person while the person's digit is or presses on the platen.In this manner, the ergonomic housing generally distributes pressurefrom the person's hand across the housing and the platen.

In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, an ergonomicfingerprint acquisition device is provided. The acquisition devicecomprises a housing having first and second exterior surfaces, thehousing enclosing: a platen; a light source for irradiating the platenand any digit thereon with light; means for conducting light from theirradiated platen; and image sensing means for sensing the conductedlight. The first exterior surface of the housing has an aperturetherethrough, and the platen is disposed in register with the apertureso that a person can place his or her digit on the platen. The secondexterior surface is displaced from the first exterior surface to providea grasping surface. The housing is provided with a prehensile shape topermit grasping the first and second exterior surfaces within a hand ofthe person while the person's digit is or presses on the platen so thatthe digit applies even pressure to the platen and a broad print of thedigit is acquired at the image sensing means. Any print acquired at theimage sensing means may be conveyed to a remote location by a conductivewire, optical cable, infrared, inductive pickup, or radio frequency. Inaddition, the ergonomic fingerprint acquisition device may have dataextracting means for extracting data from a credit card or food stampand perhaps matching means for matching any acquire into the extracteddata, and even perhaps verification means for indicating that theacquired print and the extracted data match.

According to yet still another aspect of the invention, there isprovided a notarizing system for authenticating that a transaction to becharged against an account has been authorized by an account holder. Thenotarization system includes fingerprint acquisition means for acquiringa print from an operator's digit, at least part of the acquired printforming a first signal component; account identifying means foridentifying the account against which the transaction is to be charged,the identified account forming a second signal component; means forconveying the first and second signal components to a remote location;comparison means at the remote location for comparing the first signalcomponent to stored fingerprint data for the operator and for comparingthe second signal component to stored account for the identifiedaccount; and authenticating means for confirming that the operator isauthorized to charge the transaction against the identified account.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided aremote control in combination with a set-top box for use with atelevision set of the type that provides one or more operators withadjustable features including an adjustable service level and preferencesetting. The combination comprises a fingerprint reader, the fingerprintreader including fingerprint acquisition means for acquiring a printfrom an operator's digit as a fingerprint signal; conveying means forconveying the fingerprint signal to the set-top box; comparison means atthe set-top box for comparing the fingerprint signal to storedfingerprint data for a match; and means responsive to any match foradjusting one of the service level and the preference setting. Thecombination allows the service level to be adjusted in response to afingerprint match to provide access to channels for which access isnormally restricted, for example, so that children or houseguests--whose fingerprint data are unknown to the system--can not orderpay-per-view events or other services without the assistance of anauthorized person--whose fingerprint data are known and configured toauthorize such access. The combination may further have storage meanswithin the set-top box for storing the preference setting for severaloperators to allow the preference setting to be adjusted to eachoperator in response to a fingerprint match by restoring the storedpreference setting for that operator. The remote control of thecombination is preferably contained within a prehensile housing, asdescribed above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of the ergonomicfingerprint reader apparatus of the present invention attached to a baseby a tether cord;

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of the ergonomic fingerprint readerapparatus of FIG. 1 being operated within the base;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the ergonomic apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the ergonomic apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the ergonomic apparatus positioned within thebase, partially broken away;

FIG. 4A is a partial expanded view of the ergonomic apparatus of FIG. 4illustrating a contoured surface in detail;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of an ergonomicfingerprint reader apparatus according to the present invention used asa remote control unit;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of an ergonomicfingerprint reader apparatus of the present invention used as a remotecontrol unit;

FIG. 8 shows a fourth embodiment of an ergonomic fingerprint readerapparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 8A shows the embodiment of FIG. 9 in use; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the tethered ergonomic apparatus of FIG.1, shown connected to a modified base unit including a magnetic stripecard swipe device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, there seen an ergonomic fingerprint readerapparatus 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Theergonomic apparatus 20 is connected by a tether 22 to a base unit 24 tocomprise a fingerprint reading system 26. In FIG. 1, a hand 28 hasgrasped the ergonomic reader 20 and has placed a digit 32 on a platen30. The platen 30 serves as an image transfer surface upon which theimage from the digit 32 is conveyed to an image sensing device. Theimage sensing device converts the optical image from a top surface ofthe platen 30 to an electronic signal for transmission through wires oroptical cables (not shown) within the tether 22 into the base 24. Thetether 22 is connected to the ergonomic reader 20 at a port 34 and tothe base 24 at a port 36.

It has been observed that the physical form of the ergonomic reader isless intimidating than prior art designs, thereby placing the operatorsomewhat at ease at the prospect of providing his or her fingerprint forauthentication or verification. Also, because the operator need notplace his or her digit 32 inside any of the foregoing ergonomic devices,any existing intimidation factor of using the ergonomic fingerprintreader is again reduced. When used with an LED that emits light that isapproximately 530 nanometers in wavelength which appears green to theeye, the irradiated platen provides a soothing appearance to furtherreduce any intimidation.

In the simplified diagram of FIG. 1, the base 24 is illustrated ashaving a plurality of lights 38A,B,C which indicate the status of thesystem 26, or perhaps other information. For example, the light 38A mayindicate that the system 26 is on, while lights 38B,C may be utilized toindicate whether information is being transferred between the ergonomicreader 20 and the base 24 through the tether 22, or from the base 24 toan external device through a serial interface 40. The serial interface40 is used to connect the system 26 to an external device, for example,a computer or modem, and a power port 41 connects the system to a sourceof power. Of course, additional lights 38 or more sophisticated displays(for example, seven-segment LEDs, LCD screens, color monitor, etc.) canbe provided.

Once the operator has input fingerprint data using the ergonomic reader20, the reader 20 may be returned to the base for storage, for example,in the recess 42. The recess 42 may be provided with a plurality ofprotuberances 44A,B,C which preferably form a friction coupling betweenthe ergonomic reader 20 and the base 24 sufficient to maintain theposition of the ergonomic reader within the base until repositioned bythe hand 28. In this regard, the base 24 provides a presentationstructure for the ball-like ergonomic reader 20. Rather than graspingthe ergonomic reader 20 in the hand 28, the user may adjust theergonomic reader 20 within the recess 42 to a preferred position andoperate it with equal facility within the base 24 by cradling theergonomic reader 20 within the base 24, as shown in FIG. 1A.

With reference now to FIG. 2, there is seen a top view of the ergonomicreader 20 of FIG. 1. As seen in FIG. 2, the platen 30 sits in agenerally planar surface 46, although the invention is not so limited.The planar or first exterior surface 46 has an aperture 48 through whicha top surface 31 of the platen 30 is exposed. The aperture 48 preferablyis formed as an ellipse with a major and minor axis. In this embodiment,the ellipse has a major axis that is 28 mm long and a minor axis that is22 mm long. Between the platen top surface 31 and the planar surface 46is an edge 50 that provides tactile feedback to the operator as to thelocation of the digit 32 on the platen 30. The edge 50 extendsapproximately 3 mm normal to the top surface 31 in a preferredembodiment. Walls 52A,B flank either side of the planar surface 46 andextend therefrom to an outside or second exterior surface 54. The walls52 are depicted as inclined to facilitate access to the planar surface46. According to one aspect of the invention, a contoured surface 56 isprovided adjacent the planar surface 46 in abutting relationship to theplaten 30. The contoured surface 56 is described in detail below inconnection with FIGS. 4 and 4A.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4A, the ergonomic reader 20 has a sphericalshape, and the form factor of a softball, that is, the ergonomic reader20 is approximately 95 mm in diameter. In accordance with one aspect ofthe invention, this permits the ergonomic reader 20 to be readilygrasped in the hand 28 of an operator while one digit 32 rests orpresses on the platen 30. As a result of this configuration and formfactor, the operator applies even pressure to the platen 30 from thenatural grasping of the ergonomic reader 20. The prehensile shape of theergonomic reader 20 allows the hand 28 to wrap around the fingerprintapparatus in a manner that permits uniform pressure to be applied toplaten 30. Further, the natural grasp of the hand 28 around theergonomic reader 20 ensures a firm grip of the fingerprint reader andreduces the likelihood of lateral movement or shear of the digit 32 onthe platen 30 as data is being acquired. This further facilitates theacquisition of a broad, clear print.

Applicant has determined that a prehensile shape greatly improves theability to acquire uniform fingerprint data for comparison to previouslystored data. The stored data may be on a credit card, a smart card (thatis, a pocket sized card containing a processor and memory), a localstorage device, or even a central storage device at a remote location.The specific shape chosen for a particular application being a matter ofdesign choice, all that is important to the invention is that thehousing be provided with a prehensile shape. With regard to thespherical shape of the ergonomic reader 20, the reader provides a spaceefficient package to minimize the amount of workspace that it occupies.

The prehensile shape allows the platen to be presented to the userstatically in the base 24 or dynamically in the user's hand 28. Theshape readily presents the platen to a left or right hand preferenceindividual, whether the individual is standing or seated. As such, theprehensile shape has utility to all persons, including those withlimited motion ability who may need the assistance of another inpresenting their digit 32 to the platen 30.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the ergonomic reader 20. The ergonomicreader 20 has first and second hemispherical portions 58,60 that housean uneven surface detection system 62, as described in co-pendingapplication Ser. No. Unassigned to Hebert et al., for UNEVEN SURFACEIMAGE TRANSFER APPARATUS, filed on even date with this application, thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forthin their entirety herein. More particularly, the uneven surfacedetection system 62 comprises an optical plate 64 having the platen 30on one side thereof and a printed circuit board (PCB) 66 on the otherside thereof. The PCB 66 includes an image sensing device 68 upon whichimages from the platen 30 are conveyed, and a complement of otherelectronic components 70A,B, . . . N. While the optical plate 64 may beof conventional design, it is preferred that it be of the type describedin detail in the aforementioned co-pending application.

The first hemispherical portion 58 has the planar surface 46 and theaperture 48. The aperture 48 is aligned with the platen 30 of the unevensurface detection system 62 prior to assembling the first and secondhemispherical portions 58, 60. The uneven surface detection system 62,which generally comprises the PCB 66 and the optical plate 64, isassembled as a unit by means of through-holes 74 which align with posts76 extending from one side of the optical plate 64. Preferably, theposts 76 are threaded to receive screws (not shown). A piece ofstructural foam adhesive tape 78 is interposed between the assembly ofthe uneven surface detection system 62 and the first hemisphericalportion 58 to seal the optical plate 64 portion of the system 62 intocontact with the first hemispherical portion. The tape 78 also serves asa gasket to block light and otherwise insulate the optical plate 64 fromcontact with the first hemispherical portion. This precludes contactwith the optical plate 64 which could otherwise interfere with theconveyance of information from the platen 30 to the image sensing device68. An aperture 80 is provided in the tape 78 so that necessaryreflections internal to the optical plate will not be interfered with atthe interface of the optical plate and the tape 78, as best appreciatedwith reference to the aforementioned co-pending application. Theparticular details of the optical plate 64 are not critical to thepresent invention, and no further discussion thereof is provided herein.

The second hemispherical portion 60 is snap-fit into contact with thefirst hemispherical portion 58 to complete the assembly. The port 34 maybe contained within this second hemispherical portion, along with otherelectronics, for example, circuitry related to fingerprint datacompression, analysis, or both, or related to other electronic functionssuch as wireless communication, etc.

In FIG. 4, the ergonomic reader 20 is shown placed within the recess 42of the base 24. The ergonomic reader 20 is illustrated as having beenpositioned with the planar surface 46 parallel to a top surface 82 ofthe base 24, although the invention is not so limited. As can be readilyappreciated, the ergonomic reader 20 is universally positionable withinthe recess 42 upon protuberances 44A,B,C. As a result, the operator canposition the platen 30 at an angle which is satisfactory for graspingthe reader and inputting fingerprint data, as explained below inconnection with certain exemplary applications.

FIG. 4 also depicts the physical relationship among the assembledcomponents that constitute the uneven surface detection system 62 ofFIG. 3. In particular, the printed circuit board 66 and optical plate 64assembly are secured in position by the tape 78 immediately below theplanar surface 46. In addition, the platen 30 is shown aligned with theaperture 48 so that a digit 32 placed on the top surface 31 of theplaten 30 can provide input data to an image sensing device 68 mountedon the printed circuit board 66 along with a complement of otherelectronic components 70A,B, . . . N.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, there is seen a partial expanded view of thecontoured surface 56A,B provided in accordance with one aspect of theinvention. The contoured surface 56 has a guide surface 56A adjacent theplanar surface 46 disposed in abutting relationship to the platen 30.The guide surface 56A, in one respect, provides a guiding means forguiding the operator's digit 32 onto the top surface 31 of the platen30. The guide surface 56A is adapted to provide its guiding functionwhen formed in a manner sufficient to provide tactile feedbackinformation to the operator that the digit 32 is not impinging on theedge 50 of the aperture 48. In the Figures, the guide surface 56Agradually slopes the planar surface 46 substantially to the plane of thetop surface 31 of the platen 30. The contoured surface 56 also has aramp surface 56B formed in the outside surface 54. The ramp surface 56B,in one respect, ramps the digit 32 onto the platen 30 at an angle suchthat the digit contacts or presses the top surface 31 of the platen 30at an increased number of locations when the ergonomic reader 20 isgrasped in the operator's hand 28. The ramp surface 56B is adapted toprovide its ramping function when formed in a manner sufficient to allowthe operator to place any digit 32 onto the platen 30 while grasping theergonomic reader in his or her hand 28 in a natural or comfortableposition, without the outside surface 54 of the ergonomic readerpressing against a region 57 of the hand 28 (see FIG. 8A). In theFigures, the ramp surface 56B is depicted as a curve of a sufficientlylarge radius to preclude the ergonomic reader from pressing against theregion 57.

In FIGS. 5-8A, there are seen alternative embodiments of an ergonomicfmgerprint reader apparatus according to the present invention. In theseembodiments, features common to the first embodiment are givencorresponding reference numerals. Otherwise than as specificallydescribed below, these alternative embodiments share the inventiveprehensile characteristics of the ergonomic reader 20 of FIGS. 1-4A.

In FIG. 5, the aperture 48 has been provided in a first surface 146 sothat the operator has access to the platen 30 for inputting fingerprintdata. In this embodiment, a second surface 154 is substantially oppositethe first surface 146. Further, the reader 100 may comprise a wirelessdevice for transmitting input data to a remote receiving unit. Forexample, the ergonomic reader 100 may be an infrared or radio frequencybased remote control for operating integrated systems relating tosecurity, stereo, and video applications, for controlling computers,televisions, or set-top boxes, or other devices. The ergonomic reader100 may further include a plurality of buttons 102A,B, . . . N on thefirst surface 146 which may control, for example, power, volume up,volume down, channel up, channel down, identification select, menu up,menu down, menu select, or other features, depending on the particularapplication. As seen in FIG. 6, one or more buttons 102 may be locatedon the second surface 154 as well. Also seen in FIG. 6, the ergonomicreader 100 has a battery compartment 104, preferably accessible from thesecond surface 154 and located generally below the platen 30. Thebatteries in the compartment 104 add weight to a portion of theergonomic reader 100 including the platen 30. As a result, substantiallyall of the weight of the ergonomic reader 100 is in the palm of theoperator's hand 28 when grasped. Similar to the embodiment of FIGS.1-4A, the first and second surfaces 146,154 of the ergonomic reader 100may be grasped within the hand 28 while the digit 32 is or presses onthe platen 30, thereby permitting the digit 32 to apply even pressure tothe top surface 31 of the platen 30 so that a broad print of the digit32 can be acquired.

In FIG. 7, an ergonomic reader 200 according to another embodiment isshown. The ergonomic reader 200 has a plurality of buttons 212substantially the same as buttons 102. The ergonomic reader 200 may beused as a wireless controller, as previously described. Again, theergonomic reader 200 of FIG. 7 includes an aperture 48 within the firstsurface 246 so that the platen 30 is exposed so that fingerprint datamay be acquired from the operator's digit 32. Adjacent one margin of theergonomic reader 200 is a contoured surface 256A,B which wraps from thefirst surface 246 to another surface (not shown) similar to thepreviously described contoured surface 56A,B. The ergonomic reader 200has the characteristic prehensile shape of the foregoing embodiments sothat the operator can grasp the controller along at least a secondsurface 254 and perhaps a third surface 214 as well.

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates an ergonomic reader 300 according toyet another embodiment of the invention. The ergonomic reader 300 may beused as a wireless controller, as previously described; however, to keepthe illustration clear, neither the buttons nor the battery pack areshown. As in the previous embodiments, the ergonomic reader 300 has anaperture 48 within a first surface 346 so that the platen 30 is exposed.A contoured surface 356A,B wraps from the first surface 246 to anothersurface 302 for guiding and ramping the digit 32 to the top surface 31of the platen 30, as previously described. The ergonomic reader 300 hasthe characteristic prehensile shape of the foregoing embodiments so thatthe operator can grasp the controller between the first and secondsurfaces 346,354 while the digit 32 is or presses on the platen 30. Theergonomic reader 300 is illustrated generally as a slotted controller,with a gap A defining the size of the slot. With reference now to FIG.8A, it can be appreciated that the ergonomic reader 300 compresses inresponse to squeezing or grasping by the hand 28 so as to reduce theaperture of the slot to a smaller gap B. This mechanical motion mayserve as a switch to trigger the image capture or acquisition process.Meanwhile, the digit 32--which has been previously positioned along thecontoured surface 356 onto the platen 30--applies even pressure theretoso that a broad, even print of the digit 32 is acquired. The flex of theslot of the ergonomic reader 300 facilitates the acquisition of evenfingerprint data. In particular, by squeezing the ergonomic reader 300,the operator provides a natural, uniform distribution of force to thedevice, and thereby transfers an even, broad fingerprint to the topsurface 31 of the platen when the ergonomic reader 300 is squeezed.

The uneven surface detection system 62 may be activated to take apicture or capture an image of a digit 32 when the digit appliespressure to the platen 30, or when the digit covers a sufficient portionof the platen 30 to reduce the amount of light impinging on the imagesensing device 68. In the former case, either the platen 30 or thehousing of the ergonomic reader may act as a mechanical switch byhinging or flexing to trigger the image capture process. The platen 30may hinge within the housing to trigger the image capture process, ormay move with a portion of the housing, as shown in FIG. 8A in anequivalent hingelike manner.

The wireless remote controls of FIGS. 5-8A preferably transmit acompressed image of the acquired fingerprint data. These remote controlspreferably use an infrared data link that operates significantly fasterthan traditional remote data transfer rates so that the remote need onlybe aimed at the receiving device for less than a second. Thetransmission rate should be chosen so that a compressed image of thefingerprint is transmitted to the receiving device in a time intervalthat is not noticeable to the operator of the remote. Of course, if theremote control transmits at a radio frequency, then the remote need notbe aimed at the receiving device.

Processing of the fingerprint data and verification or authentication bymatching to previously stored data should be performed at the set-topbox or other receiving device so that the remote controls of FIGS. 5-8Aconserve battery power. Further, this reduces unit production cost ofthe remote controls. Matching may be performed using a programmedprocessor, a comparator, logic gates, or similar device.

EXEMPLARY APPLICATIONS

1. Authentication System For Use With A Computer Terminal

In one exemplary application, the base 24 may be integral to or adjacenta computer terminal (not shown). As the operator manipulates thecomputer, the software may periodically request authorization or accessprivileges by requesting the operator to input fingerprint data atparticular points in the program. In this manner, the program onlyprovides information when the input fingerprint data matches withinpredetermined paramaters. The fingerprint match may be performed as togeneral characteristics or to minutiae, as understood by those skilledin the art. The match may be to prestored data within the base 24, thecomputer terminal, at a remote server or central station, or toprestored data on an identification card (e.g., driver's license,hospital identification card, government employee card, credit or smartcard, etc.). If the matching of data is performed external to the base24, then the acquired fingerprint data may be conveyed from the base 24through the interface 40.

Regardless of whether the operator is standing or seated, and despitethe particular left or right handed user preference, a uniform image ofthe digit 32 is reliably obtained in a repeatable fashion. Because theergonomic reader 20 is universally positionable within the base 24, theoperator can position the ergonomic reader 20 so that the platen islocated in a position most comfortable to the operator for inputtingfingerprint data, that is, with respect to the operator's relativeposition to the ergonomic reader, and with respect to the particularhand (and digit) that the operator has chosen to use for inputtingfingerprint data. Once positioned, the operator merely wraps his or herhand 28 around the ergonomic reader 20 and may give a slight squeeze toprovide uniform pressure to the platen 30. A broad, even image of thechosen digit 32 is thereby obtained. Moreover, because the protuberances44A,B,C frictionally maintain the position of the ergonomic reader 20within the base 24 until repositioned by the operator, once the operatorhas positioned the ergonomic reader 20 such that the platen 30 islocated in a comfortable position, the operator can readily providefurther fingerprint data in response to subsequent prompts by thesoftware by grasping the ergonomic reader 20 without making any furtheradjustments. In this manner, the chosen digit 32 is repeatedly appliedto the top surface 31 of the platen 30 in a comfortable position.

2. Authentication System For Use With A Point Of Purchase Terminal

In another exemplary application, the ergonomic reader 20 is used incombination with a point of purchase terminal for authenticating thatthe purchaser is authorized to use the credit, debit, smart card, orfood stamps being presented at the point of sale.

In FIG. 9, a point of purchase terminal 400 (POPT) is illustrated. ThePOPT 400 includes the ergonomic reader 20 connected to a base 402 by thetether 22. Of course, the tether 22 could be eliminated provided that acommunication link is otherwise established between the ergonomic reader20 and the base 402 or other authenticating device. In this regard, anyof the wireless ergonomic readers 100, 200, and 300 would suffice. Thebase 402 has a recess therein similar to recess 42 to support theergonomic reader 20 in the base 402 (not shown). The POPT 400 furtherhas a card reader 404 so that the credit, debit, or smart card, may beswiped theretirough and data extracted therefrom. The card reader 404can be replaced by other data extracting means, such as a scanning wand,for extracting information from the cards or from food stamps.Conventionally, the data extracted from such a card identifies aparticular account so that the amount of the sale which is input using aplurality of calculator-like buttons 406 can be compared to the creditlimit or debit balance for that account and the transaction eitherapproved or denied, as displayed on a display screen 408. In accordancewith an aspect of the invention, the card or stamps may includefingerprint image data stored thereon for comparison to image datasensed by the image sensing device 68 from the digit 32 placed on theplaten 30. Alternatively, the comparison data may be stored remote tothe card or stamps, as previously described. Regardless of where thecomparison data is stored, the person presenting the card or stamps iscompared with a store of authorized operators, for example, the cardowner, his or her spouse, and perhaps their children to determinewhether the actual person presenting the card is the authorized cardholder. As a result, the discretion previously placed in the hands ofthe merchant, namely, to match signatures or perhaps a picture of thecard owner, is removed. This will greatly reduce if not eliminate theexposure of creditors to fraud for these types of transactions. The POPT400 has utility in retail stores, restaurants, resorts, vacation locals,etc. Further, when equipped with a cellular telephone link, the POPT 400becomes a fully mobile authentication system for portable use whencredit or debit card operators need to be authenticated, for example,with deliveries of food, merchandise, or other services, and at fairs,outdoor events, and temporary sales booths.

Typical credit cards that may be used with the POPT 400 include VISA,MasterCard, American Express, Mobile, Exxon, etc. Typical debit cardsinclude those issued by commercial and savings banks. There are no smartcards known to be presently in use; however, such cards share thefeatures of typical credit and debit cards, and provide one or more suchaccounts in a single card which may be used substantially as describedabove. Food stamps as used with the POPT 400 would include identifyinginformation so that the food stamps can be associated with a particularperson or family authorized to present the food stamps, and notnecessarily the authorized person's fingerprint data.

3. Enrollment and Identification System For Receiving Benefits

The fingerprint data acquired using the previously described ergonomicreaders can be used both to enroll an individual in a program, forexample, welfare or medicaid, and to identify that the person seeking toclaim the benefits is authorized to receive the benefits. During theenrollment of an individual, a supervisor or trusted employee isempowered to add or associate fingerprint data of the individual withother data for that individual, or some other person, in a centralstorage device, a local storage device, or on a card of the typespreviously described. The aforementioned other data may include name,address, age, fingerprint data, any prior enrollment and durationthereof, relation to the other person, etc. The individual enrolling inthe system who is having his or her fingerprint data added or associatedwith his or her existing data, or with data of some other person, forexample, his or her spouse, is acquired using one of the foregoingergonomic readers and the acquired data is then stored onto the selectedstorage device. During identification, the individual's fingerprint datais again acquired, but this time is compared to the previously storedfingerprint data to determine whether the individual requesting benefitsis entitled to receive the requested benefits. With this system,welfare, medicaid, and other types of fraud may be greatly reduced.

4. Broadcast, Cable, and Satellite Television Application

The previously described ergonomic readers, in particular, those ofFIGS. 5-8A, can be used to identify fingerprint data or biometrics withparticular operators to validate the operator and generate, for example,a personal identification number (PIN) that may then be passed to aprocessor in the set-top box for comparison and identification. Theprompt for entering fingerprint data may be an on-screen text display ormay be a transparent step as part of a menu selection process. Thedisplay or step is preferably programmed into the set-top box by way ofsoftware to appear whenever identification or authentication isrequired, for example, to obtain access or to restore operatorpreferences. As before, fingerprint data is entered by placing the digit32 on the platen 30. The remote control determines when it has anadequate fingerprint image by locally performing processing, analysis,or both, and then transmits the image to the receiving device. Thereceiving device then notifies the operator that the fingerprint datahas been received for validation by an on-screen icon, text, or bytransmitting a signal to the remote control that indicates that thefingerprint data has been received. The comparison data is stored inreduced form in a storage device within the set-top box, unless perhapssuch data is used for notarizing purposes, as described below.Confirmation of the validation may be by completing the channelselection, for example, allowing access to a restricted channel, or, inthe case of programming that is to appear at a later time such as apay-per-view movie that starts at the beginning of the next hour, by anicon or text on the screen.

The set-top box may restrict access to any of the following: up-frontpayment services including pay-per-view channels or special events;adult programming; parentally-controlled channels; home shoppingservices. However, the "authentication remote controls" of FIGS. 5-8A ofthe invention can be used to identify particular operators and allowthem to access such restricted services. Further, the authenticationremote control according to the invention may provide operatoridentification for restoring operator preferences including: pre-storedsettings for audio (bass, treble, etc.), video (color, hue brightness),favorite channels, operator-tailored menus, viewing habits, etc. Forexample, the channels of particular interest to each individual, the socalled "favorite channels" or channel priority configurations can bestored within a storage means in the set-top box (or side-car attachedthereto) so that the individual can restore these configurations byinforming the system that he or she is now in control of theauthentication remote, as by inputting his or her fingerprint data onthe platen 30.

To make use of the foregoing restrictions and tailorable preferences, itis preferred that at least one person be empowered as a "gate keeper."The gate keeper is initially set by entering fingerprint data for thatperson, perhaps in combination with a key. The key may be a numeric oralphanumeric code which is entered into the set-top box by the channelselect buttons, or may be a card or conventional key. The gate keeperinters each of the other persons authorized to obtain access or setpreferences. For example, as the gate keeper, a parent can inter a childinto the system by setting the child's channel selection authority. Inaddition (or alternatively), the gate keeper can select a basic set ofchannels and preferences for children and guests who are not known tothe system, that is, whose fingerprint data does not match any knowndata. The gate keeper can designate additional gate keepers that areequally empowered.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the fingerprint data canbe used to notarize a transaction. The receiving device (or perhaps theremote control itself) may store credit, debit, or smart card accountinformation for each identified operator for use in connection withpurchases of merchandise, food, or cable related services (pay-per-view,special events, higher tier programming for a period of time, etc.). Inresponse to suitable prompts, the operator makes a purchase though hisor her set-top box. Credit card data, which may include the accountnumber, type of card, expiration date, name of owner, etc., is conveyedalong with compressed fingerprint data to serve as the operator'snotarization that the transaction has been authorized against theidentified credit, debit, or smart card account. The fingerprint datamay be conveyed in the clear or scrambled, as understood by thoseskilled in the art of cryptography. The cable operator may serve as thecredit authority and bill the operator directly for any purchases, ormay forward the bill to the selected crediting institution, for example,VISA or American Express, provided that the fingerprint data includedwith the notarized transaction matches stored fingerprint data for thatoperator and the selected card, and is therefore authorized.

The term "fingerprint" as used in this specification refers to the ridgeand groove patterns found on the digits of either hand, including thepinky, ring, middle, and index fingers as well as the thumb. The term"storage device" as used in this specification includes optical,electronic, magnetic, and bubble storage devices. By way of illustrationonly, such storage devices may include any of the following: CD ROM,RAM, SRAM, DRAM, PROM, EPROM, or floppy or hard disk drives. Also, theterm "receiving device" as used hereinabove includes (1) set-topcontrollers, controller/descramblers, and side-cars attached thereto(more generally referred to above as "set-top boxes"), and (2) any otherdevice not physically connected by wire or optical cable to thefingerprint reader which is equipped with an infrared or radio frequencyreceiver, for example, a computer, modem, multiplexer, etc. Finally, theterms "television set" includes any device which displays videoprogramming, and "channel" refers to a particular program or source ofprogramming.

While several embodiments have been shown and described, none ispreferred as each has benefits for its intended function, as can beappreciated from the exemplary examples in which the individual may beoperating devices from across a room by wireless link, may be seated ata computer terminal, etc.

From the foregoing description, it will be clear that the presentinvention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing fromthe spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Thus, for example,while certain embodiments of the ergonomic fingerprint reader apparatushave been shown and described, the invention is not limited to theseembodiments. Other configurations are deemed to be within the scope ofthe invention provided they are adapted to be grasped while a fingerpresses on (or is placed on) the platen. Likewise, the exemplaryapplications are just that; and are not restrictive of the myriadapplications for which the invention has utility. Thus, while a portionof the foregoing disclosure has been made with respect to certainexemplary applications, the invention is not so limited. The claimedinvention stems from the entirety of this disclosure, and not from anyspecific portion thereof. The presently disclosed embodiments aretherefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appendedclaims, and not limited to the foregoing description.

What is claimed is:
 1. A housing for a fingerprint acquisition device,comprising:a platen having a platen surface adapted to be contacted by adigit of a person's hand, and first and second surfaces, the firstsurface having an aperture therethrough, the platen being disposedwithin the housing and the platen surface being in register with theaperture, the second surface being displaced from the first surface toprovide a grasping surface, the housing being shaped to orient the digitrelative to the platen to ensure a firm grip of the housing and alsobeing shaped such that the second surface contacts four digits of theuser's hand while a chosen, fifth digit is positioned on the platen inthe first surface.
 2. The housing of claim 1, further comprising acontoured surface adjacent the aperture.
 3. The housing of claim 1,further including means for providing tactile feedback of the locationof the digit on the platen to the person whose print is being acquired.4. The housing of claim 3, wherein the tactile feedback means isdisposed along the perimeter of the aperture.
 5. The housing of claim 3,wherein the tactile feedback means includes an abrupt edge.
 6. Thehousing of claim 5, wherein the abrupt edge terminates approximately 3mm above the platen.
 7. The housing of claim 1, wherein the secondsurface is substantially spherical.
 8. The housing of claim 1, whereinthe second surface is substantially opposite the first surface.
 9. Ahousing for a fingerprint acquisition device, comprising:a platen havinga platen surface adapted to be contacted by a digit of a person's hand;first and second surfaces, the first surface having an aperturetherethrough, the platen being disposed within the housing and theplaten surface being in register with the aperture, the second surfacebeing displaced from the first surface to provide grasping surface, thehousing being shaped to orient the digit relative to the platen toensure a firm grip of the housing; and a base shaped to universallysupport the housing, the housing being universally positionable in thebase to a preselected position for grasping the first and secondsurfaces and acquiring the print.
 10. The housing of claim 9, whereinthe base includes a processor for processing any acquired print of thedigit.
 11. The housing of claim 9, wherein the base further includesstorage means for storing previously acquired prints, and matching meansfor matching any newly acquired print to any previously acquired prints.12. A fingerprint acquisition device for acquiring a print from aperson's digit, comprising:a housing having first and second exteriorsurfaces, the housing enclosing: a platen having a platen surface; alight source for irradiating the platen surface and any digit thereonwith light; means for conducting light from the irradiated platensurface; and image sensing means for sensing the conducted light, thefirst exterior surface having an aperture therethrough, the platensurface being disposed in register with the aperture, the secondexterior surface being displaced from the first exterior surface toprovide a grasping surface, the housing being shaped to orient a digitrelative to the platen to ensure a firm grip of the housing and beingshaped such that the second surface contacts four digits of the user'shand when a chosen, fifth digit is positioned on the platen in the firstsurface.
 13. The fingerprint acquisition device of claim 12, wherein anyprint acquired at the image sensing means is conveyed to a remotelocation by one of a conductive wire, optical cable, infrared, inductivepickup, and radio frequency.
 14. The fingerprint acquisition device ofclaim 12, further comprising compression means for compressing any printacquired at the image sensing means.
 15. The fingerprint acquisitiondevice of claim 12, further comprising data extracting means forextracting data from a credit card or food stamp.
 16. The fingerprintacquisition device of claim 15, further comprising matching means formatching any acquired print to the extracted data from the credit cardor food stamp.
 17. The fingerprint acquisition device of claim 16,further comprising verification means for indicating that the acquiredprint and the extracted data match.
 18. The fingerprint acquisitiondevice of claim 15, wherein any print acquired at the image sensingmeans and any extracted data from the credit card or food stamp areconveyed to a remote location by one of a conductive wire, opticalcable, infrared, inductive pickup, and radio frequency for matching. 19.The fingerprint acquisition device of claim 18, further comprisingindicating means for indicating that the remote location has matched theacquired print and the extracted data.
 20. The fingerprint acquisitiondevice of claim 15, wherein the data extracting means is one of a cardreader and scanning wand.